How do you know if a chiropractor is right for you? Are there any guidelines that a chiropractor must follow before they can diagnose and treat their patients?
Finding the right physician for your spine health can be an exciting experience. The history of chiropractic is rooted in the holistic approach to medicine that has shown itself to be more effective than medical practices such as radiation and chemotherapy. However, it is important to keep in mind that a chiropractor is a licensed medical professional, not a magician.
A chiropractor will begin by evaluating your general health and determine if you have any lingering or obvious injuries that could be the source of pain. Chiropractors who work on the upper back may notice a herniated disc that needs to be decompressed. A chiropractor who works on the spine may look for spinal adjustments or other postural issues that may be causing pain.
To diagnose and treat your back pain, a chiropractor will use a diagnostic spinal exam, which may include a lumbar lordosis test. This test can help a chiropractor to determine if a patient has a pinched nerve or spinal stenosis.
Once a diagnosis has been made, a chiropractor’s credentials and experience should be reviewed to ensure that they are truly qualified to provide your health care needs. Questions may be raised about whether or not the chiropractor offers any post-treatment care, including follow-up visits.
There is typically a waiting period before a patient can be seen in a chiropractor’s office. A good chiropractor will ensure that all of their patients are assessed and treated in a timely manner. They should even allow you to see an initial diagnosis, rather than using the chiropractor as a sales tactic.
Before you schedule a consultation with a chiropractor, make sure that you understand the scope of care that they offer, and how much they charge for their services. In some cases, you will be able to schedule a consultation with an associate chiropractor. If you have any specific questions or concerns, the associate chiropractor will be happy to help you out.
A patient experiences different types of pain from which to choose. It may be related to a specific injury, but may also be the result of misaligned vertebrae. In some cases, arthritis may be a reason for concern.
A chiropractor may prescribe a pain reliever such as an anti-inflammatory drug or may recommend a stronger pain reliever, such as NSAID medications. Some patients may prefer to try these drugs on their own. While many doctors would recommend avoiding the use of these medications unless prescribed by a trained medical professional, this is not always the case.
Once the patient is comfortable with the recommended treatment, a chiropractor may recommend a single treatment or a series of treatments. The cost of each treatment may vary according to the severity of the condition.
If a patient has had a stroke or recent surgery, the chiropractor may recommend a patient with physical disabilities receive a lower back treatment. In most cases, it is best to consult with a doctor or chiropractor prior to receiving any type of treatment and to try to find out what other treatments the chiropractor recommends for your condition.
